Policy Forum

This essay is by Leon V. Sigal, a consultant at the Social Science Research Council in New York and author of Disarming Strangers: Nuclear Diplomacy with North Korea (1998). Sigal argues that Japan and the US have overreacted to the DPRK’s August 31 launch of a Taepodong I missile. He states that the DPRK has consistently indicated its willingness to give up its missile program in exchange for an monetary compensation and an easing of the US embargo. Sigal calls on the US and Japan to take the DPRK up on this offer, as part of a comprehensive program to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Describes the compilation of two country-by-county scenarios of electricity supply in Northeast Asia and concludes that, independent of the systems for waste isolation (or recycling) chosen, the quantities of nuclear materials implied in either of the two scenarios will require regional cooperation on nuclear fuel and nuclear waste technologies, handling protocols, and planning.

Discussion of NAPSNet Forum #21– North Korea’s Underground Construction Discussion of NAPSNet Forum #21– North Korea’s Underground Construction Northeast Asia Peace and Security Network DISCUSSION OF “NORTH KOREA’S UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION” #21B — October 13, 1998 The is intended to provide expert analysis of contemporary peace and security issues in Northeast Asia, and an opportunity to […]

I. Introduction The following essay was written by Dr. C. Kenneth Quinones, US Asia Foundation Representative to Korea. Dr. Quinones was formerly North Korean desk officer at the US State Department. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent those of any government or institution. Quinones argues that the media […]

I. Introduction The following essay was written by Dr. C. Kenneth Quinones, US Asia Foundation Representative to Korea. Dr. Quinones was formerly North Korean desk officer at the US State Department. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent those of any government or institution. Quinones argues that the media […]

In this essay, Dr. C. Kenneth Quinones, Asia Foundation Representative to Korea and former North Korean desk officer at the US State Department argues that the media reports of the construction of an alleged underground nuclear facility in the DPRK are the result of deliberate “leaks” by members of the US intelligence community who wish to influence the debate on US policy toward the DPRK. He points to evidence from his own extensive visits to the DPRK that the DPRK relies heavily on underground facilities for a variety of purposes. He argues that, before jumping to any conclusions, the US should demand an on-site inspection of the facility to determine its actual nature.

Discussion of NAPSNet Forum #20– Think Again: Nonproliferation Discussion of NAPSNet Forum #20– Think Again: Nonproliferation Northeast Asia Peace and Security Network DISCUSSION OF “THINK AGAIN: NONPROLIFERATION” #19B — September 24, 1998 The is intended to provide expert analysis of contemporary peace and security issues in Northeast Asia, and an opportunity to participate in discussion […]

This essay by George Perkovich, Director of the Secure World Program at the W. Alton Jones Foundation, is adapted from Mr. Perkovich’s article, originally published in the Fall 1998 issue of Foreign Policy. Perkovich argues that the recent nuclear tests by India and Pakistan were motivated more by political pressures than by security interests. For that reason, rolling back nuclear development tends to be more difficult in democratic nations where policymakers are less insulated from domestic politics. Given these conditions, Perkovich argues that nonproliferation efforts need to address the question of inequity in international arms control regimes.

Discussion of NAPSNet Forum #19 — Potential Crisis in the Agreed Framework Discussion of NAPSNet Forum #19 — Potential Crisis in the Agreed Framework Northeast Asia Peace and Security Network DISCUSSION OF “POTENTIAL CRISIS IN THE AGREED FRAMEWORK” #19B — AUGUST 20, 1998 The is intended to provide expert analysis of contemporary peace and security […]

This essay, written by L. Gordon Flake, Associate Director, Program on Conflict Resolution at The Atlantic Council of the United States, originally appeared as PacNet #32 on August 7, 1998. Flake warns that the 1994 Geneva Agreed Framework is at risk of falling apart. He argues that, whereas the US has concentrated on the nuclear “freeze” part of the agreement, the DPRK sees the agreement more as a “framework” for the improvement of relations across the board. He attributes the DPRK’s recent threats to scuttle the agreement to frustration at the lack of progress in several of the areas covered under the Agreed Framework. He calls on the US administration and Congress to work together to ensure that the US lives up to its obligations under the agreement.